Changes in Social Security Identity Verification Policy
WASHINGTON – The Social Security Administration (SSA) is revising its policy on verifying the identities of applicants. As reported, the agency has decided to scrap its recently introduced measures aimed at addressing fraud amid application backlogs.
The now-canceled policy mandated that agents pause retirement benefit applications for three days to investigate potential fraud. This led to a significant backlog, with around 575,000 applications piling up as a result of reduced staffing and a halt in processing applications, coupled with a surge in registrations.
The SSA’s leader shared this decision in an email to staff, which was reviewed by a news outlet.
This change is part of a broader trend of policy reversals at various agencies looking to tackle perceived “waste, fraud, and abuse” that had been under scrutiny during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Earlier this year, in March, the SSA had announced a requirement for applicants unable to verify their identity online to attend face-to-face meetings at local offices. This plan also stipulated that current beneficiaries would need to visit an office to make changes to their direct deposit information.
This policy faced significant criticism within just two weeks of its announcement, as many feared it would disadvantage those less familiar with technology and residents far from SSA offices.
A new approach has been rolled out now, requiring in-person visits only for applicants seeking retirement, survivor, or other forms of assistance benefits, as well as for those needing to alter direct deposit details. Before this new policy is fully implemented, the SSA indicated that it will revert to allowing some ID verification and services to be handled over the phone.
Nonetheless, the updated plan includes the implementation of an “anti-fraud check” system to continue the search for fraud.
Individuals flagged for further verification will need to provide proof of identity in person to move forward with their claims. According to SSA announcements, those not flagged can complete claims without having to meet face-to-face.
Reports indicate that from an internal review of 110,000 claims, only two were identified as likely fraudulent. However, these anti-fraud checks are reportedly causing delays in claim processing by about 25%.
An internal email revealed that of the backlog of 575,000 requests, approximately 140,000 applicants have been waiting over 60 days. SSA data also shows that a significant influx of benefit applications has been occurring since last fall.
As applications continue to rise, efforts by former President Trump and his administration to cut staffing remain ongoing. Earlier this year, the SSA revealed that about 3,000 employees opted for buyouts, with further cuts anticipated. Overall, the agency plans to reduce its workforce by about 12%, or roughly 7,000 employees.
Despite these challenges, SSA leaders are encouraging staff to enhance their productivity during this transition.
“I’m looking for a focused and collaborative effort in all offices starting today and continuing through the end of May,” stated a senior official.
He also urged employees to aim for a 10% increase in the number of claims processed daily for the rest of the month.
